UCL: Chelsea edge Pafos to boost top eight chances

Chelsea ensured they got maximum points against Pafos in Matchday 7 of the UEFA Champions League as they aim to finish in the top eight.

The win put the Blues in the eighth position of the European clubs tournament, the last spot of automatic qualification for the last 16.

But they will have to get the job done in the last game against Napoli at the Diego Maradona Stadium next week.

The Blues are now among the five English clubs occupying the top eight spot, with only Manchester City in the play-off spot after a disappointing defeat against Bodo on Tuesday.

Pafos, the Cypriot champions, showed a lot of discipline holding the FIFA World Club Cup holders until the 78th minute, when Moses Caicedo scored with a diving header from a corner.

The midfielder reacted quickest to Pedro Neto’s corner after it flicked off Pafos substitute Nany Dimata, pouncing to head home from close range.

It had threatened to be an embarrassing evening for Chelsea against the debutants, who were disciplined in their shape as they resorted to counterattacks.

Liam Rosenior will be delighted with a victory in his first Champions League match. The former Derby County manager has been incharge of four games for Chelsea so far.

The debutants frustrated their hosts when Enzo Fernandez thought he had put them in front in the 17th minute, only for his header to be harshly ruled out for a push on Derrick Luckassen.

Pafos also had a chance when they launched an incisive counter‑attack that ended with Jaja hitting the post after the ball deflected off Reece James’ hand inside the box, sparking shouts for a penalty.

Chelsea had another chance to go into the half-time with a goal, but defender Jorrel Hato failed to beat Jay Gorter from close range.

The Blues continued to attack when they brought in teenage attacker Estevao Willian in place of James at the break. 

The Brazilian needed just seven minutes to get into the game as he later volleyed a sensational first‑time effort that lifted the crowd before Caicedo eventually found the breakthrough.

Chelsea will need to beat Napoli on the final day to finish in the top eight and avoid two play‑off matches in the 36‑team league phase.